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Tree Guide

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Pink DogwoodCornus florida var. rubr

  • Pink Dogwood - Cornus florida
The pink dogwood is a very popular landscape tree. In fact, millions of seedlings and budded trees are produced every year for commercial nurseries around the country. Just one look at this stunning specimen in full bloom, and you’ll know why.

This is a good tree for planting near utility lines, next to buildings, or near patios. It is also an excellent contrast tree for larger evergreen backgrounds.

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Hardiness Zones

The pink dogwood can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The pink dogwood grows to a height of around 25' and a spread of around 25' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The pink dogwood grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Blooms in April and May, with pink bracts that resemble petals radiating cross-like around a compact group of inconspicuous flowers.
  • Features dark green leaves that are oval or egg-shaped, tapering to a sharp point. They turn a spectacular red or reddish-purple in the fall.
  • Develops grayish to brown bark that is broken into small blocks, resembling alligator hide.
  • Produces glossy red fruit that ripen in the fall.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.

Wildlife Value

The pink dogwood is an important source of food for many small birds and mammals including robins, cardinals and waxwings.

History/Lore

This variety of flowering dogwood was first noticed and recorded by plant hunter Marc Catesby in 1731. The tree was soon cultivated and remains highly popular today.